Isa Bistro - Portland

4.9

1435 Reviews

$31 to $50

Bistro

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 17, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 14 times today

Experiences are available.

Neighbourhood gem
Charming
Good for special occasions

Isa is a small neighborhood bistro serving eclectic and seasonally driven menu. Reservations are available inside the dining room up to 30 days out, with a maximum of 8 guests. Our private outdoor patio is open seasonally with same day reservations available only, as it is uncovered and weather permitting (not dog friendly). Please provide 24 hours notice for cancellations or a late cancellation fee may apply.
Friday lunch available 11:30-4pm. Dinner daily 4-9pm, except closed on Tuesdays.
A husband and wife duo! A 2023 James Beard nominated chef, Isaul Perez brings his experience cooking French and Italian food in NYC to life with a splash of his Mexican heritage. His wife Suzie is a certified sommelier and face of the front. They showcase local farms and purveyors, offer craft beers and house specialty cocktails. The dining room is cozy and quaint with an original black tin ceiling. Be sure to order any of the Mexican dishes, whatever they may be!

Dining areas

Additional information

Location
79 Portland St, Portland, ME 04101
Phone number
(207) 808-8533
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Bistro, Italian, Mexican
Hours of Operation
Mon, Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private lot behind the building on Brattle Street and street parking.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Isaul Perez

Experiences

10 Year Anniversary Dinner
Mar 18, 2025 only
Join us for a special evening celebrating our 10 year anniversary! We have curated a menu based on our most requested dishes. Thank you for getting us to this 10 year mark!

What 1,435 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.9Service
4.7Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Maine
Best Overall
Maine
Best Food
Maine
Best Service
Maine
Best Value
Maine
Neighbourhood gem
Greater Portland
Best Overall
Greater Portland
Best Food
Greater Portland
Best Service
Greater Portland
Best Ambience
Greater Portland
Best Value
Greater Portland
Innovative
Greater Portland
Healthy
Greater Portland
Neighbourhood gem
Greater Portland
Great for fine wines
Greater Portland
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Isa Bistro in Portland offers an exceptional dining experience with "amazing food and service." Guests rave about the "creative and delicious" menu, featuring standout dishes like the eggplant lasagna and pork chop. The cozy atmosphere and attentive staff make it a "favorite restaurant" for many, promising a memorable meal.

1,435 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was outstanding! We ate at the bar, and the bartender (Brian) was friendly & attentive. The atmosphere was intimate and comfortable, even though it was busy. Would definitely come back!
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W
Wendy
Maine7 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The service was excellent, the waiter was very knowledgeable and helpful. The sole dish was outstanding and unique. I would highly recommend.
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A
Anne
New Orleans9 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Attentive service - good food. Fennel salad was outstanding.
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M
Maggie VIP
Greater Boston11 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The fennel salad is a favorite. Bartender makes a fantastic Manhattan. Waitstaff is friendly and knowledgeable. Food is always great. Our favorite restaurant in Portland.
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C
Chris
Greater Boston5 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is clearly the best food, service, and wine selections in Portland. The owners Isa & Suzy and brother Chris operate the top restaurant in Portland. It is intimate and beautifully decorated. Much of the food comes from local farms. The wine list is not the typical generic California and New Zealand mediocrity, but rather exceptional wines from other regions of the world. The attention to service is outstanding.
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CB
CalBax
Greater Boston5 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent octopus appetizer. We loved our beet salad and Caesar salad. Our mains were perfectly prepared with unique sauce and sides. Service was attentive but not overdone. We went early which allowed us to enjoy the large windows. We will go back. Recommended.
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KH
KHutch
Greater Boston5 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great atmosphere, delicious food & drinks. Staff is very friendly. Don’t let the location deter you from going - well worth the visit!
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J
Jeana VIP
Greater Boston25 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful experience, food was great, the waitress was excellent guiding us through the menu. Will definitely be going back!
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D
David
Salt Lake City5 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 8, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
There are few tables that must be reserved at least 30 days out. There is bar seating with elevated chairs without a foot rest, so those become pretty uncomfortable over time.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delectable. We recommend the grilled octopus and lobster tostada as appetizers, but we don’t think that you could go wrong with any of their selections!
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FAQs

Isa Bistro - Portland offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (207) 808-8533.

Isa Bistro - Portland is rated 4.9 stars by 1435 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 17, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 14 times today

Experiences are available.

79 Portland St, Portland, ME 04101

Dining areas

Additional information

Phone number
(207) 808-8533
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Bistro, Italian, Mexican
Hours of Operation
Mon, Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private lot behind the building on Brattle Street and street parking.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Isaul Perez

Isa Bistro - Portland

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Experiences

10 Year Anniversary Dinner

Menu

What 1,435 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Isa Bistro - Portland offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Isa Bistro - Portland restaurant rated?

Is Isa Bistro - Portland currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information